Living or working on a military base, you would naturally assume that your environment is secure. However, Maine residents affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination found out that their drinking water had been contaminated with harmful chemicals for years.
In this article, we will guide you through the intricacies of the Maine Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit and the steps you can take to secure the compensation you deserve.
Should you or a family member have been negatively impacted due to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, rest assured that our dedicated team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to lend you a helping hand.
As a law firm with national recognition and a focus on plaintiff’s cases, our main objective is to help you obtain the justice you deserve and the rightful compensation you are owed.
Table Of Contents
- Maine Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
- The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune
- Who Qualifies For a Maine Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?
- Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Maine
- Filing a Maine Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
- FAQs
- Get Your Free Case Evaluation From Maine Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers
Maine Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident has left a lasting impact on the lives of many Maine residents. As a result, numerous individuals have sought compensation through Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, with the CLJA of 2022 providing a legal avenue for victims to file claims.
Individuals affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination, which includes exposure to contaminated drinking water, may be eligible for compensation for their injuries.
Maine residents affected by the water contamination can pursue compensation through legal action under North Carolina law by contacting (314) 833-4417 or submitting a free case evaluation request online.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 provides an avenue for victims of water contamination, including those affected by cancer, to pursue legal action and seek compensation for any related injuries [1].
Individuals who are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 include:
- Those who resided at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
- Those who labored at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
- Those who were adversely affected as unborn children at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
The CLJA has a lower burden of proof for plaintiffs who bring Camp Lejeune water lawsuits under the CLJA, as stated in section (b)(2). Plaintiffs no longer have to provide much evidence to prove their case connected to exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune.
All that is needed is a scientific study indicating that the injury they are claiming (i.e., kidney cancer, etc.) might be related.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates
To date, over 800 Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits are currently pending in the Eastern District of North Carolina, with over 70,000 administrative claims filed to Camp Lejeune lawsuits. As of mid-November 2023, $850,000 has been paid out in settlements to three individuals.
The Department of Justice is now in the process of issuing settlement offers; however, it is yet to be determined if they will be satisfactory.
It is estimated that there are between 100,000 and 125,000 meritorious claims concerning Camp Lejeune water contamination. The government asserts that most Camp Lejeune lawsuits are lacking in specificity, thereby necessitating generalized responses.
“Camp Lejeune cases have quickly grown into one of the largest mass litigations in U.S. history, and the DOJ is calling for a management strategy and consolidation plan.”- Camp Lejeune Claims Center
Victims should not be required to endure prolonged delays while legal proceedings are underway.
The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base and military training facility in Onslow County, North Carolina, became the site of a devastating water contamination incident due to the improper disposal of toxic chemicals.
The contamination resulted in groundwater pollution and serious health concerns for those exposed to the tainted water.
The primary sources of the cancer-causing chemicals at Camp Lejeune are:
- Fuel leakage from an underground fuel tank
- Off-base drycleaning facilities disposing of chemicals inappropriately
- On-base personnel utilizing heavy chemicals for cleaning equipment
The most influential factor behind the water contamination at Camp Lejeune was PCE. This hazardous chemical found its way into the groundwater.
What Toxic Chemicals Were Found in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune?
Toxic chemicals that were found in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune include PCE (perchloroethylene), TCE (trichloroethylene), Benzene, and Vinyl chloride [2].
These chemicals are industrial solvents commonly found as groundwater contaminants. They are volatile compounds that may rise to the surface as vapors. They were detected in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune.
Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals
The health issues associated with exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are diverse and severe, with studies indicating correlations between exposure and various illnesses. Some of the most common health problems linked to the toxic chemicals found in the water include:
- Reproductive issues
- Birth defects
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Renal Toxicity
- Esophageal cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Hepatic steatosis
- Prostate cancer
- Miscarriage fetal death
- Neurobehavioral Effects
- Lung Cancer
- Scleroderma
- Aplastic Anemia
- Cervical Cancer
- Wrongful death
Who Qualifies For a Maine Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?
Maine residents who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period and suffered health issues as a result may qualify for a Maine Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.
Eligibility for a Maine Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement is based on having lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and having been exposed to the drinking water for a minimum of 30 days during this period. This includes Camp Lejeune veterans stationed at the base.
Individuals, including veterans or their legal representatives who resided, were employed, or were assigned to Camp Lejeune during the applicable period and were exposed to the contaminated Camp Lejeune water supply, are qualified to initiate a case under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act subsection (B) has the phrase “including in utero” which means to grant eligibility to individuals who were exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune during their fetal development.
Damages That You Can Recover From a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Victims may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with their injuries.
In a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, eligible medical expenses may include past, present, and future healthcare costs such as hospitalization, doctor’s visits, and prescription drugs.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Maine
Settlement amounts for Maine Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits will vary depending on the severity of the injuries and the strength of the case.
It is anticipated that the average individual settlement for Parkinson’s disease cases will be between $1 million and $1.5 million.
Government Accountability
The government is being held accountable for the contamination at Camp Lejeune and the resulting health issues. The drinking water at Camp Lejeune is regularly tested for more than 80 different U.S. EPA-regulated chemical and microbiological contaminants to ensure its purity and safety.
Additionally, laws have been enacted that allow veterans, survivors, and families to file for relevant relief for harm caused by exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Filing a Maine Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Maine involves submitting an administrative claim and, if necessary, transitioning to federal litigation. Before initiating a lawsuit in federal court, administrative claims must be submitted.
The government has been given six months to respond to the claim. They can either accept it, reject it, or choose to ignore it. The government will likely deny the claim.
A suit may be filed in a federal court in North Carolina by one of the skilled Camp Lejeune attorneys who handle various Camp Lejeune lawsuit claims.
Administrative Claims
To file a Camp Lejeune toxic water lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act, you must follow these steps:
- File an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy, as mandated by federal law.
- Wait for the government to respond to your claim. They have six months to do so.
- The government can either accept, reject, or choose to ignore your claim.
- The government will likely deny the claim.
Transition to Federal Litigation
If an administrative claim is denied or not resolved, the case may proceed to federal litigation. The procedure for transitioning a Maine Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit from administrative claims to federal litigation entails filing an administrative claim initially.
Subsequently, upon completion of the administrative claim process involving the federal government, the claimant may initiate a lawsuit in federal court.
Related Articles:
- Kentucky Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
- Louisiana Camp Lejune Water Contamination
- Kansas Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
FAQs
1. How Can I Join the Maine Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
To join the Maine Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit, contact a specialized attorney who handles these cases. They will assess your eligibility, help gather necessary evidence, and guide you through the legal process to file your claim. Acting promptly is crucial to meet legal deadlines.
Yes, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit if a family member died from a condition related to Camp Lejeune water contamination. This includes seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages.
3. What Are the Potential Challenges in a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?
The potential challenges in a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit can include proving the link between your health condition and the contamination, gathering sufficient evidence, navigating legal procedures, and countering defenses from responsible parties.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation From Maine Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been adversely impacted by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, Schmidt and Clark, LLP is ready and equipped to help. Our seasoned team specializes in such cases and is committed to guiding you through the entire legal process.
We believe in your right to be fully informed about your legal options and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. You can rest easy knowing that our consultations are always free of charge, and we won’t charge you anything unless we achieve a positive result for your case.
Don’t hesitate to contact Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough assessment of your case. Allow us to be your reliable ally in this legal journey.
Reference:
- https://www.camplejeuneclaimscenter.com/camp-lejeune-litigation-updates/
- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/chem_descriptions.html